It was the next week. Cody was back in school but he was busy a lot. They had to practice harder for the tournament. They had won the previous match and that had sealed their continuity in the tournament.
He was unable to converse much with Casey. The only thing they were able to do together was to chat for a few minute and to brainstorm together with the aim of solving assignments. It was Friday and the bell for closing chimed earlier than for the previous days. Cody was about to leave but Casey called him back.
"Bro, wait. It's been weeks since we discussed at length. You don't even stay back after school again."
"I'm sorry but this competition is a big one for us. I don't have much time to read again." Cody said, dropping his bag on the desk.
"I would like you to narrate how you defeated Chavez High School again." Casey said, brimming with smile.
"Okay, I see you are interested in it". Casey paused to look at Casey's expectant face.
"The match was dramatic. They scored against us in the first half. We felt discouraged but we didn't allow that to deter us".
"What!" Casey exclaimed loudly.
"You probably should get some popcorn". Cody said and laughed. Casey did the same too.
"You rascal"
"Anyways, we scored towards the end of the first half. Carl was reluctant to give me a pass even though I was right in the best position to score a goal. He passed to Jay, a mid fielder instead. Jay attempted shooting but it hit the crossbar. The ball came back to me and I made no mistake in converting the opportunity into a goal.
"You are so cool". Casey opened his mouth in awe.
"Others thought that too. I really created a lasting impression on everyone's mind with that goal. I dazed everyone there". He said with a giggle.
"The second half was juicier, wasn't it?" Casey said, rolling his eyeballs in a dramatic way.
"Yes, of course. Oliver was brought in to replace Adrian, a left mid-fielder and we switched from the 4-4-2 we had applied earlier to a 4-3-3 to spice things up. He got a pass from Carl. He dribbled two of the defenders and got a shot that scored with the woodwork.
"Yah" Casey said in jubilation.
"However, the opponents scored their second goal with a header. It was 2-2.
"Aw!" Casey said, frowning sadly.
"Don't worry, I've got you. We got a chance to shoot a free-kick near the box-18 because Oliver was brought down by a defender from the other team. He got a muscle pull and he had to get replaced by Jasper McGinnis, the fourth striker on the team. Carl argued with me because he wanted to take the free-kick. To end the strife, Ethan the captain had to come from the defender's position to shoot the free-kick. Ethan shot it and I headed it right into the top corner. The encounter ended with a 3-2 on our favor. I scored a brace, Oliver also scored a goal, Jay, Carl and Ethan provided an assist each."
"Wow. Classic friend".
"I have to get home now". He said, picking up his bag from the desk.
"Sure but I have something more vital to discuss with you." Casey said.
"Okay, I am all ears".
"Melissa and Carl have been intimate these days. Don't you think there is more to it than it meets the eye?" Casey started off, placing his hands on the desk.
"Are you for real? I didn't even notice it. Well, good luck to them". Casey said with mixed feelings of surprise and indifference.
"But"… Casey said in a worried tone but Cody was quick to cut in.
"The both of them are famous even outside this school and they are good with each other. You are a sweetheart to worry about me. I'll be fine". He said, patting Casey's shoulder gently.
"I can see you are worried but nothing ominous is going to happen. Trust me". Casey said and left.